Man held with cops released

An El Socorro man who was arrested along with two policemen, after guns and marijuana were found in the police vehicle they were in, has been released on instructions from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard, SC.

The 24-year-old was released on Wednesday after being in custody for a little over a week. The two policemen have since been charged with possession of illegal arms and ammunition and trafficking in marijuana.

On September 19, the two police officers left their base at the Besson Street Police Station in Port of Spain and drove to South West Trinidad. They were arrested in Rousillac. Four crocus bags, filled with over $700,000 worth of marijuana, three firearms, a quantity of ammunition and bottles of alcohol were found in the marked police van the officers were in.

Yesterday, senior officers confirmed to Newsday that the El Socorro man who was with the officers was ordered released as there was no evidence linking him to the guns and drugs found in the police vehicle. Asked if the civilian may be used as a witness for the State against the accused officers, a senior police source declined to comment.

The man, who was interviewed by members of the Organised Crime and Intelligence Unit (OCIU), said in a statement, that the two took him to Cedros but he had no idea why he was taken there in the first place. Sources said although the officers have been charged and the El Socorro man released, investigations are ongoing as there is a suspicion that other police officers may be involved in a covert arms and drugs smuggling ring within the service.